Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden lantern festival celebrates arrival of 2025

The annual lantern festival at Shanghai's iconic Yuyuan Garden opened on Wednesday, the first day of the new year, attracting both local residents and foreign tourists.

Featuring a giant snake in the central square, butterflies in the sky, and mythical creatures, the vibrant displays are drawing visitors eager to celebrate the new year.

"We really enjoy Chinese culture. We love it very much. It's my mom's first time in Shanghai. She likes it here very much," said a foreign visitor.

"It's very jubilant and creative," said a tourist.

This year's festival is inspired by the ancient Chinese literary classic, Shan Hai Jing, or The Classic of Mountains and Seas.

"Before our opening, many tourists, especially foreign ones -- including a growing number of South Korean tourists in recent days -- showed their recognition for our lantern festival which showcases Chinese culture. They like these lanterns a lot. I think our theme this year will attract more overseas tourists and more attention on overseas social media platforms," said Hu Junjie, vice president of Yuyuan Inc.

First launched 30 years ago, the lantern festival at Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden has become an annual tradition to celebrate the arrival of the new year. This year's event runs until mid-February.

Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden lantern festival celebrates arrival of 2025

Many regions across China are continuing or increasing incentives for trade-in program into the near year, with consumers enjoying more discounts in their major move-up purchases. 

In Shanghai, consumers can enjoy a 15 to 20 percent discount on eight categories of products such as television sets, washing machines, and range hoods in the new round of trade-in promotion. Coupons are available online, which can be used for discounts both in physical stores and on e-commerce platforms.

"I've come here to buy a water heater, and the discount is quite good. Without the national subsidy scheme, it would have cost over 3,000 yuan (roughly 410 in U.S. dollars), but now it's 600 to 700 yuan (82 to 96 U.S. dollars) cheaper. It's a great deal," said a resident in a downtown mall.

In south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the regional department of commerce announced that the amount of subsidy for automobiles, home appliances, and electric bicycles will remain basically at the same levels as in 2024 until new trade-in related measures roll out, while the size of subsidy for products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smart bracelets is expected to be unveiled soon.

The trade-in program is part of China's efforts to boost domestic demand and support economic growth.

Trade-in program continue spurring consumer spending in new year